From Ifeoma Ejiofor
The Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC) Programme has launched the State Service Delivery Transparency Initiative (SSDTI) has introduced a new citizen-centred approach aimed at improving transparency, accountability and efficiency in public service delivery.
The initiative was unveiled during a capacity development programme for members of the Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Committee, where experts charged participants to move beyond conventional anti-corruption monitoring and focus on ensuring that citizens experience tangible improvements in government services.
Coordinator of the RoLAC Programme in Anambra State, Dr. Josephine Onah, said the initiative marks a shift from traditional anti-corruption approaches to a service delivery model that directly benefits citizens.
She explained that SSDTI establishes service standards backed by multiple layers of oversight to ensure Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) deliver quality services.
“We are moving beyond the conventional anti-corruption implementation approach that we have been accustomed to over the years. We are now looking at how we can do things better to ensure that citizens genuinely feel the impact of the fight against corruption.
“The State Service Delivery Transparency Initiative focuses on service delivery points across government institutions and establishes service standards backed by multiple layers of oversight.
“As members of the monitoring team, your focus should be on what services are provided, whether they meet established standards, where the gaps exist and what improvements are required.” She asserted.
Onah disclosed that Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital (COOUTH) and Okpuno Primary Health Centre have been selected as pilot institutions, where service charters, signage and Service Delivery Transparency Units are already being introduced before the model is expanded to other health facilities.
Lead Consultant to RoLAC, Prof. Ada Chidi Igbokwe, said effective public service delivery requires greater accountability and continuous monitoring, warning that negligence in critical sectors such as healthcare could have fatal consequences.
